From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

I’m reviewing a Sliema to Gozo & Comino day tour that mixes ferry cruising with a bus ride across Gozo, then finishes at the Blue Lagoon for swimming time and a waterslide onboard. You’re basically buying a smooth transport day with the best highlights squeezed in—without having to plan routes yourself.

What I like most is the way this trip strings together big views and big names in one go: Gozo’s countryside drive and the medieval Citadel in Victoria, plus Comino’s turquoise water. I also like that the cruise portion includes English commentary, and the boat setup is geared for comfort with toilets and an on-board bar.

One drawback to consider: this isn’t a guided walk-through of Gozo or Comino. You get leisure time, and the Blue Lagoon requires a government access pass (with limited daily allocation), so you’ll want to plan ahead—or you may not be able to disembark.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Blue Lagoon access pass required (government-mandated from May 2025) and afternoon slot recommended when applying
• Timed stops: ~15 minutes for a bay/photo stop in Gozo, ~75 minutes in Victoria, ~90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon
• Victoria’s Citadel is the core stop (admissions not included, but the views are the payoff)
• Comino waterslide + onboard swim options (some people choose to stay on the boat when it gets busy)
• English cruise commentary, but land time in Gozo/Comino is self-paced leisure
• Not for everyone: not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it’s a no-go if you’re prone to seasickness

You can check availability for your dates here:

Gozo + Comino in One Day From Sliema: The Big Picture

This is a classic “see the highlights without the headache” day trip. You start in Sliema, cruise to Gozo, ride a bus into Victoria, then sail over to Comino for the Blue Lagoon and the return cruise past the Comino sea caves.

It’s also a smart choice if Malta is already packed. A lot of travelers come to Malta for cities and coastlines, and then realize they still want Gozo’s slower pace and Comino’s shoreline beauty—without adding another hotel night. This tour gives you that taste in one shot.

Your 7.5-Hour Day: Where the Time Actually Goes

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours, and the schedule is built around moving at set times. Expect a morning start from Sliema Ferries, then three main blocks: Gozo travel/land time, Comino cruising, and Blue Lagoon time.

The big chunks you’ll plan around:

• Photo stop/bay stop in Gozo: about 15 minutes
• Victoria (Gozo capital): about 75 minutes
• Blue Lagoon (Comino): about 90 minutes

If you’re the type who hates rushing, you should know this tour is paced to show multiple locations rather than linger. Still, many travelers say the timing feels right for a first visit.

Morning Departure From Sliema Ferries: Cruise Views + Commentary

You leave Sliema Ferries in the morning and head north toward Gozo. The cruise is set up so you can enjoy the shoreline views from the water while the English commentary covers what you’re seeing along Malta’s coast.

This is one of the “easy wins” of the day. You get scenery with minimal effort, and you don’t have to figure out boats, docks, or connections once you’re on board.

Travelers also mention that the crew keeps things clear and that the commentary adds context. One group even highlighted captain Jean-Paul for being friendly and helpful, with solid information during the cruise.

Arrival at Mgarr Harbour, Then the Gozo Bus Ride

When you reach Mgarr Harbour, you switch to bus transportation for the ride to Victoria. On the way, you get:

• A photo stop (around 15 minutes) at a Gozo bay or the Qala Belvedere
• A drive-by tour of countryside highlights, including churches and landmarks

This part matters because it turns Gozo from a place you just “arrive at” into a place you actually see. Even with limited time, the drive gives you a sense of the island’s layout and character.

One practical note: several people mention that bus/transfer logistics can feel chaotic if you aren’t paying attention to instructions. The fix is simple: listen closely, follow the stated meeting points, and don’t assume you can hop between buses.

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Victoria, Gozo’s Capital: 75 Minutes and the Citadel Focus

Victoria is where the tour puts its main Gozo time. You get about 75 minutes to wander, grab a coffee or snack, and explore on your own. Within that window, the tour also strongly centers on the Citadel—a medieval fortress with major viewpoints over the island and bay areas.

A couple useful realities about that time limit:

• You’ll likely need to prioritize. If your goal is the Citadel views, plan your walk accordingly.
• Admissions to sites are not included, so the Citadel visit may cost extra depending on what areas are open and what you choose to do.

Still, plenty of travelers say Victoria is worth the stop, even if it’s shorter than they’d like. If you only have one chance to visit Gozo, this is the place to spend it.

What You Can Do in Victoria (Without Burning Your Whole Day)

Because you’re on leisure time, you can shape the stop around what you enjoy most. Options mentioned include:

• Roaming the historic center
• Coffee and snacks in cafes
• Shopping, including souvenir options
• Walking the Citadel area for panoramic scenery

You might also find local snacks like pastizzi nearby (at least one traveler specifically called them out). Since food and drinks aren’t included, treat this as your chance to eat like a local—quick, casual, and convenient.

Comino Transfer: Sailing Toward Turquoise Water

After Gozo, you cruise toward Comino. This is when the day starts feeling like the postcard. The water in Comino’s most famous area is famous for a reason: crystal clarity and striking color from the boat.

Be aware: Comino’s Blue Lagoon is widely known for being busy. Even in cooler months, people come for the water experience and the views. The tour gives you about 90 minutes to deal with the crowd and decide how you want to spend it.

The Blue Lagoon Access Pass: The One Rule You Cannot Ignore

This is the biggest “gotcha” for planning. Malta introduced a directive effective May 2025 that requires an access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through the official government website blcomino.com.

Key practical points:

• Daily pass allocation is limited.
• For this cruise, you’re asked to select the afternoon slot when applying.
• If you can’t access the lagoon without the pass, no refunds are provided—because it’s government-mandated.

If you’re booking close to your trip date, don’t wait. This is one of those situations where being proactive saves money and stress.

Blue Lagoon Stop: Swim Time, Snorkel Options, and the Waterslide

Your Blue Lagoon time is about 90 minutes. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The tour also includes a waterslide onboard, which many travelers mention as a highlight.

A smart strategy if it’s crowded: you don’t have to go ashore to enjoy the water. Some travelers choose to stay on the boat and use the waterslide or relax on deck while others brave the busiest beach moments.

If water temperature is a concern, know that in off-season months the lagoon may be too chilly for swimming for some people, but you can still walk around Comino. The tour also notes that Comino is car-free and has hiking routes toward places like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery.

Comino Caves on the Return Cruise

After the Blue Lagoon stop, you cruise by the Comino Caves before heading back to Sliema. Even though you don’t spend a long time here on land, passing the caves from the water adds variety to the day’s scenery.

It also helps make the day feel like more than just two islands and one swimming stop. You get extra coastline drama on the way back.

Onboard Comfort: Toilets, Bar, and Seating Reality

Boat comfort is a big deal when you’re doing a short, packed day. The tour includes:

• Toilet facilities on the boat
• A cash bar serving some snacks and beverages

Reviews frequently mention that the boat is clean and that there’s enough space to sit inside or outside. One traveler even described that the boat had lots of seats and a clean setup for a full day trip.

Also worth flagging: some reports say seating fills up fast—so if you want open-air views, arrive early at the ticket desk and departure point.

Not a Traditional Guided Tour: How to Make Leisure Time Work for You

This tour is not set up like a guided walking tour of every site. On the land segments in Gozo and Comino, the stops are at leisure, and you’re exploring on your own during the allotted time.

That’s not a problem if you travel independently. It just means you should arrive ready to make decisions fast: which viewpoint first, which walk first, and where you’ll meet for the return.

Some travelers mention they wish there were more explanations during the day or that announcements weren’t always easy to hear. If you rely on an on-the-ground guide for history, you might find the cruise commentary helps, but the land time is still mostly self-directed.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• A transport-friendly day to Gozo and Comino without extra planning
• Scenic cruising plus a key town stop (Victoria)
• A major beach highlight with time to actually swim

It’s not a great fit if you:

• Need wheelchair access or have mobility impairments (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• Are prone to seasickness or motion sickness (the tour notes it’s not suitable for people with motion sickness)

If you’re the in-between case—like you don’t love choppy water but you’re okay in general—you might still want to consider your tolerance and plan accordingly. One traveler specifically suggested medication for motion sickness, but do what’s appropriate for your health.

Value for Money: Why $51 Can Make Sense

At around $51 per person for a 7.5-hour day with cruise + bus transfers + Blue Lagoon stop, this can be strong value if you would otherwise pay separately for:

• ferry tickets
• transport to Victoria
• a guided-style access to the Blue Lagoon area

The costs you should expect beyond the price:

• The Blue Lagoon access pass is required (and passes have to be obtained in advance).
• Food and drinks are not included.
• Admissions to sites in Gozo aren’t included.

The trade-off is clear: you’re paying for transport and time access, not for a full guide-led tour of every single site.

Practical Tips That Actually Help on Tour Day

Here are the small things that reduce stress and improve your day.

Arrive early at Sliema Ferries. Seats can fill quickly on the boat. If you care about getting a good view from the open-air side, you’ll be happier early.

Bring the right gear. The tour lists:

• comfortable shoes
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

Pack light. Pets aren’t allowed, and oversize luggage (or large bags) isn’t permitted.

Follow meeting instructions like your life depends on it. The tour warns that you must be at the agreed meeting place when the driver indicates. If you miss the return timing, your day can turn into a problem fast.

Have a pass plan for Blue Lagoon. Apply for the required afternoon slot in advance via blcomino.com.

Final Verdict: Should You Book This Sliema to Gozo and Blue Lagoon Tour?

I’d book it if you want the “greatest hits” day: Gozo landscapes + Victoria’s Citadel views + Comino’s Blue Lagoon swim time with onboard comfort and a waterslide. The pace is efficient, and the logistics are set up for travelers who want easy connections rather than self-planning.

I’d think twice if you need accessibility support, are likely to feel seasick, or you’re hoping for long guided explanations on land. And if you forget the Blue Lagoon access pass, that’s not a small mistake—it can kill your ability to disembark.

If you do the pass step early, arrive ahead of departure, and go in with the mindset of a transport-and-leisure day, this is one of the more practical ways to see Gozo and Comino in a single afternoon-to-evening stretch.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours.

What stops are included on the day?

You’ll include time in Gozo (Victoria), a cruise to Comino, and a stop at the Blue Lagoon. You also pass by Comino sea caves on the return journey.

How much time do I get in Victoria, Gozo?

There is approximately 75 minutes of free time in Victoria, including the chance to visit the Citadel.

Is there a photo stop in Gozo?

Yes. There is a photo stop of about 15 minutes at one of Gozo’s bays or at Qala Belvedere.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop at Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon is approximately 90 minutes.

Is a Blue Lagoon access pass required?

Yes. Since a government directive effective May 2025, visitors must obtain an access pass in advance via blcomino.com to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The tour advises choosing the afternoon slot.

What is included on the boat?

Included features on the boat are English commentary during the cruise, toilet facilities, and a waterslide. A cash bar is available for snacks and beverages, but food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here: